Okanogan County Public Health
1234 So. Second Okanogan, Washington 98840
Phone: 509-422-7140
FAX: 509-422-7142

Environmental Health Program

Environmental Health Programs

The Safe Food Program assures that food offered to the public is safe and sanitary. Food handler education and testing and investigation of food borne illness are part of this program. Retail food service facilities are licensed and regular inspections are conducted. Consultation, plan reviews and complaint investigations are available.

Schedule:  Food handler training is offered every Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. or 3:30 p.m. and takes approximately 1 1/2 hours.  Please try to arrive at least 15 minutes early, so that you can get signed in before the class starts.

The cost is $10.00 and your first card is good for 2 years.   When renewing your card you must do so before your card has expired to receive a 3 year card. 

To arrange trainings for groups of 15 or more, contact Wendell Harris at (509) 422-7388.  (Prepayment for the first 15 is required for this service)

Temporary food service permits are required for community events. 
Temporary/Seasonal permits are available for Okanogan and Twisp Farmers' Markets.

  Printable Temporary Food Service Application  

For any questions regarding our Food Program you may contact Wendell Harris at: 
(509) 422-7388, or email: wharris@co.okanogan.wa.us

  Spanish Food Handler Class Now Available

• The Drinking Water Program provides bacteriological and nitrate testing for individual and public water systems. Small water systems are evaluated for adequate construction and operations. Information is available concerning any drinking water problems you may have.  Washington State Department of Heath Division of Drinking Water Link
      
  **Now Available Printable Water Adequacy Application**

• The Solid Waste Program assures that solid waste is disposed of in a safe, sanitary manner. Permits are issued for disposal sites, solid waste regulations are enforced and inspections of sites are coordinated. Solid waste/garbage complaints are investigated through this program.

• The On Site Liquid Waste Program ensures the proper treatment and disposal of sewage through the processing of permits, soil analysis and final inspections. This program provides training to and licenses all designers, installers and pumpers of sewage systems. Educational materials and technical assistance is available for homeowners.

• The Land Use Program includes review, comments and recommendations on various project applications such as: subdivisions, planned developments, conditional use permits, etc..

• The Chemical and Physical Hazards Program investigates reported illnesses and complaints from toxic materials such as formaldehyde, radon, and asbestos. We also are involved with clandestine drug lab investigations and follow up, methamphetamine information is available. Investigations may be coordinated with other departments.

• Living Environment services include information, consultation, inspections and assistance to institutions such as schools and head start centers. To ensure health and safety, public pools, spas, bed and breakfast lodging and overnight transient facilities (2 units or less) are inspected and licensed.
  
  
• The Hazardous Site Assessment Program evaluates sites that may have been contaminated with hazardous materials to determine relative risk to health and the environment. If needed, a recommended ranking for cleanup is given to DOE.
  
• The Vector Program investigates diseases caused by insects or animals and recommends control measures. Educational materials are available on various diseases such as West Nile Virus,  Hantavirus, Lyme Disease, and Rabies.
  
     Information from Washington State Department of Health on: Mosquito Control and West Nile Virus

For further information, email Environmental Health or call at (509) 422-7140

Reference Sites

Washington State Department of Ecology

Center for Disease Control
CDC Wonder

Federal Sites

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Page last updated September 05, 2006 by Marta Reed